LA CALIDAD DE SALUD POR LOS OJOS DE JOVENES: A study of healthcare as perceived by Latino youth in Greenville, NC

North Carolina has the fastest growing Latino population in the nation, most of which is occurring in Eastern North Carolina in what are known as new growth communities. These new growth communities are often small, rural, and generally unprepared to have their health needs met by the general healthcare system. Little data exists about the quality of healthcare among Latino populations in these areas, none of which is focused on the youth. It is the intent of ongoing research to determine the strengths and limitations of current healthcare conditions, and eventually improve them for all members of Latino communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of healthcare among children in order to expand our current understanding of the quality of healthcare in this region. Photovoice was used as a qualitative method of identifying and evaluating the healthcare concerns and barriers faced by Latino youth as seen from the perspective of two teen students. First-hand knowledge of their experiences through photographs showed that although Latino families are proud of their heritage and are retaining their culture, they are adjusting to an Americanized lifestyle. However, their nationalities create barriers that prevent them from having the same access to healthcare as a natural born citizen, a disparity that is present throughout the community and often within the same family.